Living Energy Blog

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We all spend some part of our lives chasing happiness in one way or another. Typically we have beliefs that tell us that we will gain happiness when we have something that we desire or crave. We may not even stop to process what is going on when the thing we wanted and got does not do it in any lasting way. We unconsciously tend to assume that we need bigger, better or duplicates of that which we craved and we are off and running again! At some point we realize that happiness is an inside job and we are responsible for creating it. This may be surprising but it is also empowering. Research into happiness provides us with some guidelines for helping to shift our minds  in the direction of greater happiness and inner peace. The excerpt below presents one idea for using daydreaming to feel what it is you would like to feel…the brain does not really know the difference between real and imagined! Perhaps those of us in the northeast can imagine electricity flowing in our homes once again and the happiness that will bring!

From the Daily Good:  http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4777

Enjoy experiences without spending time actually doing them. Research in the field of neuroscience has shown that the part of the brain responsible for feeling pleasure — the mesolimbic dopamine system — can be activated when merely thinking about something pleasurable, such as drinking a favorite brand of beer or driving a favorite type of sports car. In fact, this research shows that people sometimes enjoys anticipating an activity more than actually doing it.

For example, reading guidebooks in advance of a big vacation and anticipating the food you’ll eat and the activities you’ll do while there could actually give you more pleasure than the vacation itself. In short, research suggests that we can be just as well — if not sometimes better — off if we imagine experiences without having them. So to increase happiness, spend plenty of time happily daydreaming.

Smart_Hymn21_Generosity (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The October 25th, 2011 Daily Good” brought us a very inspirational story about generosity and an anonymous project called 52times52.com.  Giving for the sake of giving is very good for your heart and soul. Giving freely to others … without expectation of anything in return is even better.

Giving to others is an expansive energy. When we freely give to others, the energy returns to the giver multi-fold, in untold ways. The project 52times52.com was established to give 52 dollars anonymously to a different recipient or cause each week of 2011. This unique idea is gaining momentum. You can join the movement if you’d like or consciously incorporate generosity into your own life and those you touch in whatever way works best for you.

There are many ways to give to others, including good deeds, kind words, extending compassion and forgiveness, thank yous and acknowledgements, charitable actions, money and more. Think how different your life could be if you freely and consciously gave something of value to another person every day. If that sounds like too much of a stretch, consider doing something out of the ordinary once a week, performing 52: good deeds, acts of kindness, thank you notes, random donations … you decide.

I often hear that it takes at least 21 days to create a new habit. As we approach the beginning of November, the month of traditionally giving thanks, there is time to amplify and solidify this concept of giving for the sake of giving. There is time to make it a habit.

We are living through an evolutionary shift in consciousness on this planet and giving to others is a simple way to contribute. Whatever you do, give from your heart and soul in ways that bring you joy. Energetically, Joy is a high vibration (higher than love, according to David Hawkins in  his book Power vs. Force) that counterbalances a wider circle of low energy. So as more and more Joy coexists with the chaos that see and experience in today’s world, we are bound to see a visible shift in the collective. We are bound to see a happier, more loving and generous world around us.

It is time to lighten up. The unprecedented changes that are affecting every level of society are also being felt by each one of us at the individual level. One way this is manifesting is through a deep need to let go of what we may have once loved in order to make room for new opportunities, possibilities and circumstances.

In recent months, many people, myself included, have experienced accelerated shifts. Some have done this proactively and consciously, others taken action in response to feeling too much pressure, and some were forced to change due to unanticipated or unexpected have events.

One of the keys to shifting for the better or attracting new opportunities to you is to lighten up. There are many ways to do this. Recently a friend of mine mentioned how much lighter she feels since closing her business.  In addition to her spirit being lighter and brighter, she is feeling healthier, more motivated and excited about her future. Her family relationships are much stronger and happier. Although her business was a life dream, within a year it became a huge drain on her finances as well as her physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. She knew something had to shift. She took a huge leap and shut it down entirely. Rather than just walking away she took tremendous care to honor her creditors and maintain trust in all of her relationships. As a result, amazing things are happening for her. Now that her burden is lifted, new opportunities are coming her way. What a life lesson!

Change is inevitable. What can you lighten up or release in your life to help align your energy with the times we are in?

There is a bit of controversy at Harvard University about the voluntary “Kindness Pledge” the institution has asked incoming students to sign this year. Some of those in opposition have indicated that kindness conflicts with intellectual freedom and that the pledge does not have a place at Harvard.

The Kindness Bus

I can understand this perspective. Kindness is a virtue that emanates from the heart, not the mind or the intellect. In my opinion, kindness is an automatic response when we cultivate love within our hearts, within ourselves. I can see where too much thinking about kindness might get you all mixed up inside. If you are arguing a point, the rational mind might suggest tossing aside civility and going for the jugular … win your argument at all costs.

What is “kindness” anyway and why is it important? The dictionary defines kindness as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Wikipedia indicates that kindness is the act or the state of being kind —marked by goodness and charitable behaviour, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions. In his book “Rhetoric,” Aristotle wrote that kindness is an emotion that is defined as being helpful to someone in need, not in exchange for anything or for an advantage to the helper. Kindness is about caring. Kindness is important because it holds the possibility of all of us creating a better world. We are all human and we are one global community. What we do to one another, we do to ourselves.

While Harvard debates kindness, the rest of us can model kindness. Act according to your heart. Do what feels right. To learn more, check out Random Acts of Kindness, One Million Acts of Kindness, Carry Out Kindness. They’ll take you to even more resources and sites.

Be kind to yourself today and be kind to everyone you meet.

Related articles

• Harvard’s ‘Kindness’ Pledge: (huffingtonpost.com)
• Harvard Pledge Values ‘Kindness’ Over Learning: Virginia Postrel (businessweek.com)

It’s official, we live in an ever-expanding universe! First reported in 1998, the discovery earned three scientists the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics. Half of the prize was awarded to Saul Perlmutter, from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley. The other half was awarded to Brian P. Schmidt of Australian National University and Adam G. Riess of Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute.

No longer can the concept of an ever-expanding universe be considered new age “bunk.” Measuring light coming from exploding stars, the scientists set out to prove that the expansion of the universe was slowing down and they found just the opposite. Their independent discoveries indicate that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. Apparently there is some sort of mysterious and invisible form of energy that counteracts gravity and is pushing matter apart. Imagine that! Reiss says that 74 percent of the universe consists of this dark energy.

So what does all this mean? Everything is possible! When we say something is true, it really means that that’s what is commonly accepted right now either because it has been said over and over for a very long time or we simply don’t know any different.

So everything and anything is possible! This is great news. Consider how this applies to your own life …your long held beliefs, thoughts, feelings, habits, ways of being, doing and living. If something is not working for you, change it. Adopt a different set of thoughts or beliefs about the situation. Try something new. Take different action. Expand your possibilities and create new energy. Step into some of the new and exciting energy of the universe.

Stepping into the unknown can be daunting. Among other things, it requires strength and courage. Strength to carve a new path and courage to withstand the naysayers or anyone who doubts new possibilities. Just because something hasn’t happened does not mean it is not possible. Everything is possible. Twelve years ago I left a well-paying corporate career because it felt right. I was ready to do something else. I was excited about the possibility of what was coming next, although I didn’t know what that would be. I just knew it would be worthwhile. Even though I was the family “breadwinner,” I consciously followed my passion and delved deeply into topics that interested me. Professionally, I entered a new field, launched my own business, co-authored a book, collaborated with like-minded partners, co-wrote a newspaper column for 4 years and kept pace with the explosion of technology and the birth of social media. On the personal side, along with my husband, we raised our daughter and became a meaningful presence in her life, led a Girl Scout Troop for 12 years, assisted my parents for 10 years, took more time for pleasure, did some traveling, read an amazing assortment of books, stayed healthy and much more. Now that our daughter is happily settling into college, I’m ready to expand again. The possibilities are endless.

Long ago I realized that we do live in an ever-expanding universe and that everything is possible. It is here for us to claim. It is our birthright. If you aren’t already doing so, experience it directly. Make new and conscious choices for yourself. You may be amazed with what is possible. Isn’t yesterday’s Nobel Prize in Physics proof enough?

Related articles

• Does the Multiverse Really Exist? (preview) (scientificamerican.com)

Today’s Daily Om inspirational essay about conscious decisions coincides nicely with the thought I’d like to share today: taking personal responsibility for yourself leads to an empowered and authentic life. This in turn supports better physical, mental and emotional health, resulting  in overall well-being and happiness. When we make conscious decisions we actively sort through our options, choosing the ones that feel right at the time. We actively choose our response vs. defaulting to decisions unconsciously. We choose what to do because it feels right vs. merely doing what we are told, even if it is not the popular or recommended approach. Acting by default is taking the easy route and doing whatever someone else says. Acting by default is a lazy approach.

Recently I met with a dermatologist. This individual made two recommendations that did not suit me. The first was to use a sunscreen that I know ranks high on the EWG’s “hazard scale” for sunscreens. The second was to use a petroleum based product with methylparaben to moisturize dry skin. When we discussed the sunscreen and alternative choices, it occurred to me that this professional was simply unaware of better choices for your skin. She was recommending products that block the sun but may also contribute to skin cancer. I wrote down the name of the second product, looked it over at the pharmacy and later researched the ingredients on my own. Although I didn’t remember why, paraben-based products were a flag in my mind. A quick Google search provided the answer: concentration of parabens, particularly methylparaben have been found in breast tumors. So here we have an educated professional recommending products that may contribute to more problems than the ones I was trying to solve. My guess is that this is a common occurrence. How often do we defer to others’ because we think they know better or they must be right (including me!)?

Rather than be angry about this professional’s lack of knowledge in this area, this experience reinforced my resolve to be personally responsible for my choices. This professional provided her best recommendation. In my opinion her recommendation fell short of being more fully informed. That part is up to me and up to each one of us.

As you go through each day, become more aware of your decisions. Pay attention to the ones that you consciously make vs. the times you just do what others say. Responding by default may seem like the easier and less overwhelming choice at the time. If it leads to you feeling disempowered or blaming others for any part of your choice then it’s really about delaying the inevitable: being responsible for your own choices, actions, thoughts and words.

The healthcare system is just one example. Each of our lives is filled with many more, particularly within our work, family and social environments. Play with these thoughts and try them out. How do they apply to your life? What changes can you make to live a more empowered and authentic life?

Related articles

• Study Shows Bisphenol-A and Methylparaben Have a Triggering Effect on Cancer (guide.thesoftlanding.com)
• A Review of the Five Best Sunscreens that are Safe for Both You & Your Child (savings.com)

Virgin Radio is Energy Efficient (Photo credit: adambowie)

Have you ever wondered why you feel so differently with the various people in your life?

Why is it so easy with your best friend and so difficult with a certain relative…you know the one!

Are there people you feel secure with? Are there those who make you feel peaceful, happy or content and then others who make you feel uneasy, anxious or depressed?

Obviously there are interactions and our own inner dynamics that occur that contribute to our feelings, but the questions here are meant to draw awareness to those feelings that seem to arise for no apparent reason between you and another.

 Your personal energy field holds the key to blending easily with one person and not another.

 We each have our own individual frequency. When our frequencies are similar to another we feel rapport. Auras of dissimilar frequencies result in discomfort, tension or agitation. Our first impressions of another are often based on how our auras harmonize. Even though our fields may not resonate well with each other we can harmonize dissonance over time. However, there may be those people that are so out of phase with us that no matter how we may try, it is just too difficult, frustrating and exhausting to continue to try.

Entrainment: feng shui for the spirit

We can learn to adjust and change frequency with practice-   a sort of shape-shifting that allows us to adjust to many environments and people. This is easier for people with flexible fields than for those with more fixed fields.

To consciously manage this process means living from center and being able to maintain your inner stability or grounding. This ability allows you to interact with many people and environments in a positive way and is also very healthy and empowering. It is when we are unconscious that we are impacted negatively.

The most common way we interact energetically is through entrainment or harmonic induction.

The rate of vibration in your field affects others. A stronger field will induce change in a weaker one. We all know people we like to be around because they calm or energize us. We also have people that we have difficulty being around as they bring our vibration into a range that is uncomfortable for us.

Energy and Interaction

• Energy is constantly being given off or absorbed due to its electromagnetic properties
• An exchange of energy occurs each time you come into contact with another
• Energy interacts through harmonic induction, streamers, chords
• Electrical properties of energy are giving, the magnetic are absorbing
• The more people around the more energy exchange taking place
• Longer/more intimate contact, the greater the exchange

Through our energy we leave imprints on each other, objects and our environment. This explains breaking in periods, favorite blankets, toys, and prayer shawls. The more you are exposed to certain patterns the more you are affected by them. We can use this information to our benefit, E.G. having a special place where we meditate, relax or go to reboot our energies.

One of the most important things to realize about harmonic induction or entrainment is: it is the strongest energy that will prevail, not necessarily the healthiest energy—the strongest. So if you are unaware and are around angry, sad or depressed people then your field will entrain and soon you will be feeling what they are!

Awareness, connecting with your own field and practicing
centering and grounding your energy is the way to be sure that your field is
not high jacked and brought to a place you do not want to go! In addition, it
feels good, adds to your well being, happiness, inner ease and peace.

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“My message is always the same: to cultivate and practice love, kindness, compassion and tolerance.” Dalai Lama

This timely quote from the Dalai Lama came to me this morning through HeartMath.

Have you heard the phrase “thoughts create things?” I am a firm believer that words create things too. Tune into the words all around you … your words, others’ words, the words you see and hear.  Notice the messages being conveyed. More importantly, observe how the words both reflect and amplify what is happening. Do the words give power to what we want or are they strengthening the circumstances we wish to change?

Expressing oneself authentically can be a tricky process. How do we consciously choose words that reflect good feelings when our experience is so different?  This is where the cultivation and practice of love, kindness, compassion and tolerance can make a difference. And it begins deep within oneself. One way to begin is to omit the “no’s.” One friend recently lamented: “No job, no prospects, no income.” Well this will probably continue to be the case until this person consciously shifts her energy. A way to express this with more self compassion might be: I’m ready for a job, job prospects and income! Instead of saying “I’m not …,” began to say “I AM …”

Like anything new, there’s a learning curve. Observe everyone and imitate people who communicate effectively in a loving and compassionate manner. Each day provides ample opportunities to learn from others … your family and friends, your workplace, the supermarket and retail centers, public events, community gatherings, the media. Listen with open ears and an open heart. What feels genuine? How can you empathize with others without joining them in a spiral-down conversation? What new ways can you communicate without complaining? There are lots of ways to go about this and there are some wonderful role models. Look for them and I guarantee you will find them. Learn some new approaches and become a role model for others. Two people I admire are Oprah Winfrey and Diane Sawyer. Both have a way of being truly present with people, feeling their pain and conveying their experience with kindness, love and compassion.

Like everything, words carry energy and are quite powerful. Choose your words consciously to cultivate and practice love, kindness, compassion and tolerance. Each day brings an opportunity to develop your skill and get a little better at it. Before long it will be a habit. As your habit strengthens it will become a belief. Once it is a belief, it will become imprinted in your cells and be automatically reflected in your words and actions.

Language is an amazing tool that can change the world and we can all participate. BE the change you wish to see in the world and eventually it will be reflected in your life.

Related articles

• Positive Psychology News Daily ” Wired for Empathy (positivepsychologynews.com)
• The Four Immeasurables (jasontsukahara.wordpress.com)
• The Dalai Lama (marinalovemovement.wordpress.com)

Everything that I have been studying and reading lately reinforces how change must come from the heart. Inner peace, health and wellness, life balance, job satisfaction, meaningful relationships, prosperity and much more … everything really … is in relationship to the subtle energy of your heart, the energy that you hold subconsciously, below the surface. As you heal your heart, your frequency shifts and things begin to fall into place more easily.  All of this is an inside job and no one can do it for us. It is a life-long process. The Healing Code by Alex Loyd and Ben Johnson brought much of this together for me. It’s another method to release our blocks and improve our lives. Check it out, along with some of our Living Energy programs. It doesn’t matter where you begin. Different methods work for different people. What is important is that you make each day better or a little lighter for yourself than the previous one, regardless of what is transpiring on the outside. What can you do today to lighten up? One step forward is enough.

Today, Labor Day, 2011, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of work. Most times when I hear about work it is in a negative context such as: “Ugh! I have to go to work.” Or “No, I can’t do that, I have to work today.” Or one’s spirit is a bit deflated and resigned to: “I wish I could join you but I have to work.” Sometimes I hear people looking forward to the future: “I can’t wait to retire. Then I won’t have to work.” Some of my Facebook friends commented on those who were working on this holiday vs. those were enjoying the fruits of that labor. The ones doing the commenting were the ones “working” today and not enjoying it.

So what is “work” and why does so much of our life revolve around it? What is your purpose in exerting physical labor or mental activity? In a larger context, consider whether or not your work reflects your passion … something that interests you deeply, something you care about and something you love doing. A job, on the other hand, is a way to earn a living and pay your bills. If you are among the lucky ones, you love your job and that is your work.  Imagine how different the world would be if everyone unhappy with their jobs, switched until they found something they truly loved and then they engaged passionately in daily work. Or perhaps people could begin to view their jobs differently and appreciate the ways in which their job adds value to their life as well as the lives of others.

It used to baffle me why people spend so much of their lives doing something that they regularly complain about or that genuinely makes them sick or that they don’t enjoy. The more deeply I engage in my work, the more I realize that it’s because many people live their lives unconsciously, on automatic pilot, and feel powerless to change. Without thinking, people spout off about going to work, being at work or having to work. Are you among them? When this happens, universal forces arrange themselves to bring you exactly what you are feeling and what you express. Reflect on this for a moment. How do you feel about your job or your work and what do you say to others or articulate about your circumstances?  Do you see any patterns between what you convey and what actually happens or unfolds?

The good news is that you and your circumstances can change, even with our high rates of unemployment. In a few days, Karen Kallie, Tony Pace and I will launch the first program in our Living Energy: Personal Energy Empowerment Series. Watch for it. It might help you shift your life and engage in work that you truly love. Perhaps by Labor Day 2012 you will be positioned to love your work and your job!

Related articles

• Labor Day (xandrepressview.com)
• Labor Day Blessings! (guchiid.wordpress.com)